Meaning & use
holy objects
Last updated
UK/ˈhəʊli ˈɒbdʒɪkts/
US/ˈhoʊli ˈɑːbdʒekts/
Meaning
nounplural
Things that a religion treats as sacred and uses in worship, such as relics, statues, or ceremonial items.
Grammar: Always plural in this fixed phrase; use 'a holy object' for one thing.
Patterns
- a holy object
- holy objects of a religion
- treat something as a holy object
The museum displayed holy objects from several ancient temples.
Pilgrims walked past the holy objects without touching them.
In many traditions, holy objects are kept in a special room.
Common combinations
- sacred objects
- The priest explained the meaning of the sacred objects on the altar.
- religious objects
- The shop sells religious objects such as candles and small statues.
- holy relics
- The church is famous for its holy relics.
- objects of worship
- The law protects objects of worship in public buildings.
Synonyms and how they differ
- relics
- Relics are specifically the remains or belongings of a holy person, while holy objects can be any sacred item used in worship.
- sacred objects
- This is a close synonym and is often preferred in academic writing; 'holy objects' sounds slightly more traditional or religious.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'holy objects' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is a plural noun for sacred items, so it fits the temple context. The other options use it as ordinary groceries, as a verb, or as a nonsense verb.
Make it your own
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